technology Archives - Chemetrix

Technology to Improve Cannabis Testing

Francois — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:40:04 +0000

The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, and with it comes a multitude of opportunities and challenges. The South African cannabis industry is also booming, driven by increasing demand for both medicinal and recreational cannabis products. Companies are developing various cannabis products, including oils, tinctures, and edibles. But this also means, as cannabis becomes more accepted and regulated, the need for accurate testing services grows.

A common misconception is that the sector is a straightforward cash cow for businesses, particularly in the realm of cannabis testing.

With regulatory requirements mandating thorough testing and the potential for high-profit margins, it might seem like a low-risk venture. However, newcomers should be cautious of pitfalls that can derail less experienced operators.

Quality in cannabis analysis

One of the most critical aspects of succeeding in cannabis testing is recognising the importance of quality. Setting up a laboratory with a strong emphasis on quality is not merely a regulatory necessity but a cornerstone for running a successful business. Quality in this context involves ensuring equipment reliability, accuracy and timeliness of results, staff training, reagent preparation, and method validation. By prioritising these elements, laboratories can minimise errors, enhance their industry standing, and build a solid reputation with customers.

Watch our webinar on Promoting Cannabis Lab Success >

Implementing a robust quality management system (QMS) is central to the operation of a high-functioning cannabis testing laboratory. A well-executed QMS produces high-quality, traceable data that stands up to audits and can be scrutinised if complaints arise. This system should be an ongoing effort to refine documentation practices, reduce errors, and improve testing processes.

Part of quality management is implementing the most effective methods for testing. eMethods are designed to accelerate your startup time by condensing the vast amounts of technical information and optimised analytical methods into a ready-to-run, downloadable, digital information package. What’s even better is that Agilent has done the hard work for everyone by creating eMethods that provides information on the instrument configuration, consumables, and Sample Preparation Protocols. eMethods also provide analytical methods for sample introduction, chromatographic separation, detection, and data analysis.

Compared to starting from scratch, an eMethod gives your lab a head start and gives you tips and tricks for best practices across all aspects of your workflow. If your lab is testing for pesticide residue, for example, an eMethod supplies the method for the separations and reliable detection of 72 pesticides and 5 mycotoxins in under 8 minutes.

Of course, you need great analytical instruments on which to run those methods. For new labs or labs moving into cannabis testing, it’s worthwhile to explore the latest technology in instruments. There’s great interest in ICP-MS which enables the analysis of trace metals in complex samples. As an example, The Agilent 7900 ICP-MS system helps you screen for target compounds in complex matrices – all within a single analysis. There are important questions to ask of an instrument supplier like Chemetrix when looking at the instruments for cannabis testing, like if sample types are measured, calculating the eventual cost per sample, if the software suits the instruments, and what technical support is offered. Chemetrix is able to provide confident answers to all these questions and more.

Download our checklist on How to Buy an ICP-MS for a Laboratory Analyzing Cannabis Products >

Getting your lab geared up correctly

The profitability of cannabis testing hinges on rapid sample turnaround and result delivery. However, the complexity of test requirements is increasing. To maintain quality and gain a competitive edge, labs must embrace digital transformation and adopt more efficient, accurate, automated, and scalable testing methods. Despite this, many cannabis testing labs still rely on manual processes, which are often error-prone, limited, tedious, risky, and slow.

Modernising with Agilent SLIMS addresses these issues, allowing labs to maximise the number of Certificates of Analysis (COAs) produced daily without compromising data quality. This capability enables labs to maximise revenue and scale operations with minimal risk. By reducing errors and enhancing efficiency, SLIMS helps labs meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations more effectively.

Along with great quality management software, Chemetrix is also able to offer testing solutions to laboratories within the cannabis industry. Chemetrix understands the demands of the production and manufacturing environments as well as the fact that cannabis is an emerging sector with smaller, more entrepreneurial labs coming to the fore. To help these labs grow, it’s important to find the right solutions that offer great return on investment and guarantee the highest levels of accuracy, efficiency, and data quality. Speak to our expert team to find out how Chemetrix can help your lab achieve its goals and learn more about our cannabis testing solution.

Strategic Decision-Making: Balancing Innovation, Budget, and Technology in Scientific Research

Francois — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:00:01 +0000

Did you know that even in the world of cutting-edge scientific research, principal scientists grapple with a delicate dance between budget constraints, selecting the right tools, and keeping abreast of technological advancements? It’s an intricate tapestry of decisions that define the success of laboratories and the critical role principal scientists play in this high-stakes balancing act.

In the ever-evolving landscape of scientific discovery, the interplay between budget considerations, the selection of the right tools, and staying ahead in technological advancements is more complex than meets the eye. The choices made in this delicate dance have far-reaching implications, influencing the pace of innovation and the ultimate success of research endeavours.

Why Balancing Budget and Technology Matters for Labs

Effective budget planning is paramount for maintaining financial stability, allocating resources wisely, and ensuring the sustainability of research programs. In the world of laboratories, where breakthroughs and advancements are the currency of success, discussions around balancing budgets and technology choices are not just financial exercises but strategic imperatives. Simultaneously, the choice of technology and tools can make or break the success of experiments, affecting the quality and reliability of results.

The principal scientist’s dilemma lies at the crucial nexus of these considerations, shaping the trajectory of scientific progress within a laboratory.

Considerations for Success

Budget Planning: Principal scientists must master the art of budget planning, understanding the financial constraints of the laboratory while aligning resources with overarching research goals. Strategic budget management involves forecasting, risk assessment, and transparent communication to secure funding for critical initiatives.

Tool Selection: The right tools are the backbone of successful scientific breakthroughs. Factors such as scalability, versatility, and long-term viability when selecting tools must be considered. The goal is to invest in instruments that meet current needs and adapt to the evolving demands of research.

Staying Ahead in Technology: In a world where technological advancements are rapid, it’s vital to keep laboratories at the forefront of innovation. Regular assessments of emerging technologies, collaboration with industry leaders, and fostering a culture of adaptability are essential for staying ahead in the dynamic realm of scientific research.

Inspiration for Laboratory Optimisation

Imagine the transformative potential when laboratories optimise their budget, tools, and technology choices. Principal scientists can inspire a culture of innovation by championing a holistic approach that embraces efficiency and excellence. Encourage your team to reevaluate the choices made in the lab, fostering an environment where every decision aligns with the overarching mission of scientific advancement.

Partnering with Chemetrix for Optimal Solutions

As principal scientists navigate the intricate landscape of budget constraints and technological choices, partnering with industry leaders becomes paramount. Chemetrix stands as a beacon of innovation, offering solutions that seamlessly integrate budgetary considerations with cutting-edge technology. This isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to redefine the landscape of scientific research.

Join us at analytica Lab Africa 2023

Francois — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:37:37 +0000

analytica Lab Africa is the premier trade fair for the analysis, laboratory-technology and biotechnology sectors, bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs and users from around the world. Welcome to the perfect platform for your international business relations.

Chemetrix will be taking part in this prestigious event to showcase some of our latest instruments, innovations and partnerships.

Why you should visit

The international trade fair analytica Lab Africa focuses on innovative and applied product and system solutions for laboratories in the industrial, research and science sectors. As the industry’s regional forum for Southern Africa, analytica Lab Africa combines global and local market leaders and innovations with country specific main themes, precisely tailored to the market.

A global network

analytica gives you access to the world’s largest network of trade fairs for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology. Open the door to global success for your company. Present your products and solutions to the markets of the future.Germany, China, India, South Africa and Vietnam.

Exciting innovations

Get new and deeper insights into the Agilent product and solution portfolio with Agilent InterAct! Experience your favourite Agilent system in a virtual 3D environment. Visit our stand at the event for the exclusive launch of an immersive experience like never before.

Event details

Gallagher Convention Centre is one of Africa’s largest conference and exhibition venues. Located in Midrand, between Pretoria and Johannesburg, Gallagher is conveniently positioned in the business hub of Gauteng.

Show Dates

5-7 July, 2023

Venue

Gallagher Convention Center, Johannesburg, South Africa

Opening Hours

Wednesday, 5th July, 0900 hrs – 1700 hrs

Thursday, 6th July, 0900 hrs – 1700 hrs

Friday, 7th July, 0900 hrs – 1600 hrs